Company Description
The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE is building the company, developing a supply chain and planning construction of the STEP prototype, with a target for first operations around 2040. The programme aims to bring fusion energy to commercial viability by mid‑century.
Job Overview
Emerging Materials & Manufacturing Development (EMMD) Manager – responsible for defining and delivering strategies to mature low‑Technology Readiness Level (TRL) materials, advanced manufacturing techniques and industrial processes for the STEP programme. The role leads multidisciplinary teams, works with industry, academia and the Fusion Partner, and translates design requirements into scalable, manufacturable, and qualified solutions that influence safety, cost, risk and plant buildability.
Key Responsibilities
- Programme Leadership• Lead the EMMD programme across critical STEP systems and components• Define and deliver roadmaps for novel structural and functional materials, advanced joining technologies, fabrication and assembly methods, inspection and repair approaches• Align development activities with design maturity, qualification requirements, programme milestones and supply‑chain strategies• Identify and prioritise activities to mitigate technical and manufacturing risks
- Materials Development• Oversee advanced materials development: high‑temperature structural alloys, copper alloys and heat‑sink materials, refractory and plasma‑facing materials, ceramics, insulators, seals and ancillary materials• Generate material property data, design allowables and maintain a robust, defensible materials database
- Manufacturing & Process Development• Mature early‑stage manufacturing routes: machining, forming, additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy and HIP processes, advanced joining (brazing, diffusion bonding, welding), coatings and surface engineering, assembly and integration techniques• Lead process trials, prototype builds and sub‑scale demonstrations• Establish process windows, critical parameters and quality requirements
- Cross‑Functional Leadership• Act as the subject‑matter expert for emerging materials and manufacturing within the organisation• Support design reviews, manufacturing‑readiness assessments, FMEA and life‑cycle assessments• Collaborate with engineering, supply‑chain and regulatory teams to ensure solutions are scalable, inspectable and deployable
About You
We are looking for a confident technical leader with a passion for innovation and delivery. The ideal candidate will hold a degree (or equivalent experience) in Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline and demonstrate strong experience in advanced materials development and manufacturing‑process engineering.
Qualifications
- PhD in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience)
- World‑class expertise in novel materials development, manufacturing R&D and scale‑up, ideally within the fusion sector
- International track record in materials science and manufacturing technology
- Demonstrated understanding of nuclear materials science issues – particularly irradiation effects and testing methodologies
- Experience and research excellence in collaborative R&D teams (publications, other outputs) delivered under technical and time constraints
- Proven ability to set strategic direction, inspire and motivate teams
- Track record in initiating and developing technical programmes
- Strong stakeholder‑management skills and the ability to build and maintain trusted relationships
- Commitment to the team and respect for diverse expertise
- Experience in conflict resolution and fostering collaboration to achieve programme‑wide goals
- Outstanding communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels, articulate ideas clearly and listen actively
- Demonstrated commitment to responsible and ethical innovation
- Experience in compliance with modern safety, health, environment and quality standards
- Beneficial: Materials modelling expertise; extensive experimental materials science experience (microstructure, corrosion testing, advanced micro‑mechanical testing, digital image correlation, etc.)
- Beneficial: IP management experience, including patents and technology disclosures
- Beneficial: Familiarity with Design for Reliability, Maintainability, Manufacture and Disposal, and interpretation of design codes for novel materials in harsh environments
Benefits
- Salary of £73,190 + specialist allowance of £7,900 (non‑contractual, non‑pensionable)
- Outstanding defined‑benefit pension scheme
- Corporate bonus scheme up to 7%
- Relocation allowance (if eligible)
- Flexible working options and family‑friendly policies
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Generous annual leave: 25 days + 3 days Christmas closure + 2.5 privilege days, plus UK bank holidays
- Wide range of career development opportunities and a vibrant inclusive culture
Security and Compliance
This role requires completion of an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks. SC Clearance may be required in the future; existing clearance can be transferred.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
UKFE welcomes applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM, individuals from British black/ethnic minority backgrounds and persons with disabilities. The Executive team, supported by our EDI Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes diversity and removes recruitment barriers. Please contact(hr@ukfe.org)(mailto:hr@ukfe.org)for assistance or adjustments to create a fair application process.
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